Category: Programs

The Greenwich Historical Society holds a Fall Festival every year with a scarecrow competition, activities for kids, and performances. This year the festival was held on October 9 and it had a Japanese theme that related to our new exhibition, “An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan,” which examines the influence of Japanese art and culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

We had a samurai scarecrow and samurai face painting; plus kids (and some parents!) decorated fans and make fish tale kites. The Greenwich Japanese School delighted a packed crowd with a performance of song and dance, and the World Seido Karate Studio demonstrated martial arts. The Hapa Food Truck fed the crowd and all enjoyed spending a rainy Sunday on our campus. Until next year!

One of the Greenwich Historical Society’s most popular programs, Story Barn offers an evening of true personal stories served up in a cabaret-like setting without benefit of notes or screens. Emceed by Moth story coach, Nantucket Comedy Festival cofounder and comedienne Bonnie Levison, the progam offers fun, thought-provoking entertainment that puts a decidedly contemporary spin on oral history.

The Historical Society is looking for storytellers for its November 17th program, which will revolve around the theme “Lost in Translation.”

Bonnie Levison emcees at the spring 2016 Story Barn

The theme, loosely tied with the Historical Society’s current exhibition An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan, is based on the concept that even our simplest attempts at communica-tion can sometimes go awry. Interpretation can be broad, and stories can revolve around any personal experiences that have to do with misunderstanding or miscommunication.

In the past, topics have run the gamut from youthful misadventure, to a dastardly bridegroom, a grand dame’s after-hours Christmas shopping expedition and a preteen’s 1960s quest for tight chinos (think West Side Story) at some of Greenwich’s toniest emporiums. Protagonists need not be human: Stories have also featured a very ungrateful chipmunk, a supernatural parrot and a law-breaking woodchuck.

Anyone over age 21 is invited to participate but must sign up and pitch their story in advance. If you have a tale to share, contact Anna Greco at agreco@greenwichhistory.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 31. A workshop is being offered for those who would like guidance or would like to polish their presentation before the event.